TWILIGHT--THE MOVIE

Many of my on-line friends have read the series developed by a stay-at-home mom. She used images from a dream or dreams that she'd had. She hadn't read any vampire books or seen any vampire movies ( her words from an interview ). My 13 and a half year old grandaughter has read the 4 book series and has been so anxious to see this movie. I know some of the gals have had their tickets purchased in advance for weeks. And these are adult women.. Now, statistically, vampire movies are more popular with males. It must be the violence and domination aspect. I completed Twilight/1st book of the series on Wednesday night. Mike picked up book #2 for me to read when I get back. I found the book to be engaging, a bit suggestive for young teens but basically, a fast read that leaves you hanging. Soooooo, you have to continue to the next book to keep up with the characters. A smart move by author Stephenie Meyer.

As I was nuturing my need for caffeine somewhere midway between Rome and COS, I saw the Thursday edition of USA Today. I have not seen this movie. The following is a synopsis of the reviewer from the USA Today entertainment section. This in no way reflects my viewpoint. I will reserve judgement until Twilight comes to STARZ or HBO.

" Despite questionable casting, wooden acting, laughable dialogue and truely awful make-up, nothing will stop teen girls from flocking to see this kitschy adaptation of the popular novel by Mormon housewife, Stephenie Meyer."

' The director relies heavily on extreme close-ups to make up for the lead actor's lack of emotional range. His English accent comes through at inopportune times. The two leads lack chemistry. Bella has two expressions---blank and slightly less blank.'

This movie cost $37 million dollars to make and must gross $150 million to justify making #2 and #3--New Moon and Eclipse. New Moon is predicted to cost $75 million due to location ( Italy ), special effects ( werewolves ) and many stunts ( motorcyles ).

Reviewer's statement-"This novel is substantially more absorbing than this intentionally funny and quickly forgettable film."

This reader ( me ) has to wonder if Stephenie Meyer is as disappointed by her screen writer - Melissa Rosenberg - as Stephen King was with the screen writer for one of my favorites, The Shining. It appears that Melissa Rosenberg is already working on her adaptation of New Moon.
BTW- I loved the original version of the Shining and I thought the television adaptation was okay. The original really grabbed me. I loved to be scared. And the most recent vampire movie I watched was 'blood and chocolates', which was a foreign film ( that's gotta be why they used all lower case letters in the title ). It was a love story also, with the exception that the female lead was the werewolf/vampire. It was set in modern day Europe and gave us the understanding that these creatures have existed for centuries and continue to exist today. I liked it but I wasn't totally 'Wowed'. And I really like the HBO series-True Blood. I like it when the vampires are HOT and discerning and compassionate, don't you?
I hope someone lets me know their impression of the new movie Twilight. I don't usually go with the reviewers impressions. After all, they are always cancelling tv shows that I like and panning movies I love!